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Hazlet, NJ --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) tonight hosted a town hall forum in Hazlet to hear from his constituents about issues of concern to them, and to discuss a new Democratic plan to take America in a new direction.
At tonight's forum, the New Jersey congressman said New Jersey families are feeling squeezed by high gas prices, skyrocketing health care costs and rising college tuition at a time when their wages are stagnant. He said people are also concerned about American soldiers dying in the Iraq War, which has been mismanaged and which has no end in sight. Currently, the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives are all under Republican control, and Pallone believes it is time to take America in a new direction.
"Democrats have a plan to take our country in a new direction to create economic opportunity and security for middle-class working families by ensuring access to affordable health care and energy, good jobs, and a secure retirement, and putting an end to President Bush's failed Iraq policy."
Pallone's New Direction for America will lead us to:
- Real security at home and overseas by implementing all of the 9/11 Commission recommendations and pressing for the phased redeployment of U.S. forces out of Iraq this year.
- Better American jobs and better pay by raising the minimum wage for 135,000 New Jersey workers and by ending tax giveaways that encourage companies to move jobs overseas.
- College Access for All by making the first $3,000 of college tuition tax deductible, permanently cutting student loan interest rates in half and expanding Pell Grants from the current $4,050 to $5,100.
- Energy Independence and lower gas prices by passing tough price gouging legislation, repealing $20 billion in tax breaks and free royalties for Big Oil and, instead, investing in American-made biofuels.
- Affordable Health Care and life-saving science begins by fixing the prescription drug law so it fills in the giant gap in coverage seniors will soon face and by promoting stem cell research to offer hope to millions of American families.
- Ensure dignified retirement by saving Social Security from privatization and strengthen pension laws to prevent companies from unfairly dumping pension plans.
"Through this New Direction for America Plan, I am seeking to unite our country, rather than divide it," Pallone said. "I believe democracy should work for everyone--not just those at the top--by building opportunity and prosperity for all, and guaranteeing real security at home and abroad."
The New Jersey congressman also handed out Congressional Awards to four high school students from his congressional district. The Congressional Award, created by former U.S. Rep. Jim Howard (D-NJ), is a nationwide program open to all young people between the ages of 14 and 23. To earn the Award, eligible participants must set and achieve goals in the areas of voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.
Tonight, Daniel Schiavo of Plainfield was awarded the Bronze Award, Tara Haight of Ocean and Kelsey Howard of Monmouth Beach were awarded the Silver Award, and Rachel Sprung of Wayside was awarded the Gold. |
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